The park is built on the grounds of the former General Manuel Serrano Airport, which served Machala until its closure and conversion in the 2010s.
It is named in honor of Zoila Ugarte de Landívar, a prominent 19th-century Ecuadorian writer, suffragist, and the country's first female journalist.
The site acts as a key component of the city's urban regeneration project aimed at redeveloping former transport infrastructure into public amenities.
The park incorporates architectural elements reflecting the coastal climate and the city's role as the 'Banana Capital of the World.'
Parque Urbano Zoila Ugarte de Landívar, commonly known as Urbano de Machala Park, serves as the primary recreational green space in Machala, Ecuador. Spanning several hectares, the park was inaugurated to provide a modernized urban leisure area on the site of the former Machala airport. It features extensive pedestrian pathways, concrete plazas, and dedicated zones for physical exercise and social gatherings. The park includes large open areas intended for community events and cultural activities. Its landscape architecture emphasizes open sightlines and integrated lighting systems for evening accessibility. As the largest park in the city, it functions as a central hub for locals to engage in jogging, cycling, and leisure activities.
The wide-angle views from the central plazas looking toward the city skyline at sunset.
Carry adequate sun protection as the park has large open spaces with limited canopy cover.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat typical of the El Oro province.
Hydration is essential due to the high humidity and direct sun exposure in this tropical region.
Avoid walking through the park during the midday sun, as heat intensity in Machala can be extreme for outdoor activities.
Casual, comfortable clothing and supportive walking shoes are recommended; maintain noise levels appropriate for a shared public space.
